Ame at the St. Regis - The Basics:
Ame claims one star in the San Francisco Bay Area Michelin Guide -- the globally esteemed and sometimes contentious star ratings given to just 28 Bay Area restaurants in 2007.
The cuisine is often characterized as fusion -- and as "New American" by the restauranteurs -- with Japanese, American and European influences.
Restauranteurs: Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani
Executive Chef: Greg Dunmore
Michelin San Francisco 2007
Ame - The Space:
The decor at Ame is sleek and elegant with dark wood, muted colors, window screens, and mesquite floor. There's a partially open kitchen in view of the tables, and seating for 95.
The restaurant feels like a thematic but more subdued continuation of the Lobby Bar at the St. Regis.
Ame - The Menu:
Sample Menu Items:
- Tempura "Poke" with Ogo Seaweed Appetizer - $15.50
- Sauteed Fois Gras on Duck Confit Stuffed Chestnut Flour Crepe Appetizer- $21.50
- Broiled Sake Marinated Alaskan Black Cod Entree - $32.50
- Grilled Sonoma Duck Breast on Ragout of Forest Mushrooms Entree - $34.00
- Chocolate Mousseline Cake w/Kahlua Anglaise and Candied Profiteroles Dessert - $10.00
- Buttermilk Panna Cotta w/Citrust Fruits and Mochi in Orange Nage Dessert - $10.00
There is also a tasting menu with a chef's selection of appetizer, main course, and dessert.
December 2007 - Menu items and prices subject to change
Ame - The Drinks:
The wine list has selections from around the globe including a healthy selection of wines by the glass, and bottles across the price spectrum, from a $33 Brassfield Pinot Grigio to an $850 Harlan Estate Cabernet.
The drink list includes a sake menu -- also available by the bottle or the glass -- and representative of different sake styles.
Ame has a signature cocktail menu including a personal favorite, the "Sweet Heat" -- a tequila, lime juice and chili pepper concoction that is neither too sweet nor too hot.
Ame - The Scene:
Ame is elegant and sophisticated, but not uncomfortably so. The decor is clean and modern which can feel a bit cool if you arrive for an early reservation, before patrons fill up and warm up the room.
The sound level is quiet but not so quiet that you feel self-conscious carrying on at normal volume. If you're looking for a departure from the scene in the lobby, Ame will be a pleasant change.
Pluses:
-- Ambiance and sound level good for conversation
-- Knowledgeable and courteous hosts and server at the time of our visit
-- Proximity to Lobby Bar for pre-dinner gatherings
-- Favorite dishes: Tempura Poke, Sake-Marinated Alaskan Black Cod
-- Signature cocktails, with Sweet Heat a personal favorite
-- Good wine list and diverse sake selections
Minuses:
-- Depending on your budget: Average three course meal (not including wine and cocktails) $50 to $60
-- Personal let down: Huckleberry Hand Pies, a bit dry and lacking in flavor after an otherwise exceptional meal
Address & Telephone:
Neighborhood: SoMa/South of Market
689 Mission Street (at 3rd)
San Francisco, CA
Telephone: (415) 284-4040
Ame Website
Transit & Parking:
Parking:
Ame has valet parking at the hotel entrance (on 3rd). Ame also suggests three nearby garages as alternatives: The Fifth & Mission Garage (833 Mission), Hearst Parking Center (45 Third - closes at 11p), and the Jessie Square Garage (223 Stevenson, closes at 10p).
BART Station: Montgomery or Powell
Muni Metro Station: Montgomery or Powell
For door-to-door directions within San Francisco: Hop Stop Trip Planner